The Witcher 2 - Preview @ IGN, Ripten, Youtube Footage from VE3D

As the release of the Witcher 2 is approaching more previews see the light of day. The first one is from IGN. The previewer states that

the development team stayed true to the quality of the storytelling and RPG elements of the first game, and then took just about everything else to the next level......

I only was able to play through the Prologue and Act I, but that chunk of gameplay in itself took several days to progress through, and I loved every minute of it. Considering that I was playing a "preview build", I couldn't help but be impressed with just how much gameplay the preview slice offered. What I did see got me very excited, and provided nearly as much play time as some first rate titles do in their entirety.

The next quote deals with the world itself:

Graphics and audio aside, the best way to describe the world of The Witcher 2 is simply "alive". In-game characters actually seem as if they believe in their own existence. Their concerns, desires, even fears all come off very real and genuine, and even pull at your heart (or rage) strings at times. It might sound corny, but I couldn't help but feel like a part of it all. I'd notice as the day cycled into night that the NPCs would get together whether at the Inn or around a campfire, sharing little stories with each other, and eventually retire to their beds for some sleep.

And here's a quote about the combat:

I realize that there were some minor complaints by some RPG fans when the first Witcher title came out, and for the most part I can say that CD Projekt addressed them. Combat feels better, once you master it that is. Click spamming won't work versus a heavily armed opponent on anything but the easiest difficulties. Tactics are a must at medium and beyond, otherwise there will be much time spent looking at the loading screens.

The previewer also mentions relationships as well as the save system. There's some nice sreenshots as well. A bit of a warning, though: Some screenshots are not entirely safe for work (NSFW).

Due to the non linear nature of this game, for all I know, you may never see some of the images I’m about to present you with. The game can branch in so many different directions that there are literally entire towns and cutscenes (and even love scenes) you may never, ever encounter. I’ve played through the prologue of AoK twice already, and chapter one roughly 1.5 times. Upon making different decisions, I attained different results Choice and consequence, don’t you love it?